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Caldas, C H, Chou, C-C and O'Connor, J (2008) Negotiation-based decision support model for utility relocations in transportation infrastructure projects. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 90.

Clarke, L and Gribling, M (2008) Obstacles to diversity in construction: the example of Heathrow Terminal 5. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 65.

Harty, C (2008) Implementing innovation in construction: contexts, relative boundedness and actor-network theory. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 41.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: innovation; implementation; information technology; context; relative boundedness; actor-network theory
  • ISBN/ISSN: 0144-6193
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190802298413
  • Abstract:
    Theoretical understanding of the implementation and use of innovations within construction contexts is discussed and developed. It is argued that both the rhetoric of the ‘improvement agenda’ within construction and theories of innovation fail to account for the complex contexts and disparate perspectives which characterize construction work. To address this, the concept of relative boundedness is offered. Relatively unbounded innovation is characterized by a lack of a coherent central driving force or mediator with the ability to reconcile potential conflicts and overcome resistance to implementation. This is a situation not exclusive to, but certainly indicative of, much construction project work. Drawing on empirical material from the implementation of new design and coordination technologies on a large construction project, the concept is developed, concentrating on the negotiations and translations implementation mobilized. An actor-network theory (ANT) approach is adopted, which emphasizes the roles that both human actors and non-human agents play in the performance and outcomes of these interactions. Three aspects of how relative boundedness is constituted and affected are described; through the robustness of existing practices and expectations, through the delegation of interests on to technological artefacts and through the mobilization of actors and artefacts to constrain and limit the scope of negotiations over new technology implementation.

Höök, M and Stehn, L (2008) Applicability of lean principles and practices in industrialized housing production. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 100.

Leiringer, R and Cardellino, P (2008) Tales of the expected: investigating the rhetorical strategies of innovation champions. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 54.

Lingard, H C, Townsend, K, Bradley, L and Brown, K (2008) Alternative work schedule interventions in the Australian construction industry: a comparative case study analysis. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 12.

Marzouk, M, Madany, M, Abou-Zied, A and El-said, M (2008) Handling construction pollutions using multi-objective optimization. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 25.

Pan, W, Gibb, A G F and Sellars, A B (2008) Maintenance cost implications of utilizing bathroom modules manufactured offsite. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 77.

Zhang, X, Austin, S, Glass, J and Mills, G (2008) Toward collective organizational values: a case study in UK construction. Construction Management and Economics, 26(10), 28.